West Liberty, W.Va. - Few individuals have impacted West Liberty University athletics as broadly and as meaningfully as Herb Minch, whose decades of service as a coach, athletic trainer, and educator helped shape generations of Hilltoppers.
A West Liberty alumnus (1985-89) in Health & Physical Education, Minch returned to the hilltop and built a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades. He served as Head Athletic Trainer from 1994-2017, an adjunct instructor from 1994-2011, and later as an Instructor in Athletic Training from 2011-2017, playing a vital role in both student-athlete development and academic programming.
On the field, Minch is best known as one of the most successful softball coaches in program and conference history. He led the Hilltoppers from 1995-2011 and again from 2016-2023, compiling more than 500 career victories and establishing West Liberty as a perennial contender.
During his first stint, Minch guided the Hilltoppers to 16 consecutive WVIAC Tournament appearances, highlighted by a 1999 conference championship and a school-record 42-16 season in 2004. His teams reached the WVIAC championship game six times in an eight-year span (1999-2006), while producing 25 First-Team All-WVIAC selections and 21 All-Tournament honorees.
After returning to the dugout in 2017, Minch picked up right where he left off, leading West Liberty to Mountain East Conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2019 and 2021, further cementing his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.
Beyond wins and championships, Minch's impact was felt across the entire athletic department. As an athletic trainer, he worked with more than 5,000 student-athletes and played a role in the success of over 35 conference championship teams and six national champion wrestlers.
"West Liberty has always been and always will be a special place," Minch said. "It's been blessed with tremendous educators and great coaches throughout its history, and that continues to this day. Take advantage of the time you have on the hilltop."
Minch also emphasized the lifelong connections that come with being a Hilltopper.
"Being an alum of WLSC/WLU puts you in the largest fraternity in the tri-state area," he said. "From educators to health professionals to business entrepreneurs, that family is ingrained in the region, and you can always count on a fellow Topper."
Throughout his career, Minch had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most respected figures in West Liberty athletics, gaining a deep appreciation for the craft of coaching and mentorship.
Today, Minch continues to stay active in the game and community, coaching high school softball at The Linsly School, providing youth instruction, and remaining involved in the Ohio Valley through his work with Straub Automotive and Oglebay Golf.
From the training room to the classroom to the softball diamond, Herb Minch's legacy is defined by service, success, and an unwavering commitment to West Liberty—making him a true Timeless Topper.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
